The Regional Winners for the Master Builder of the Year 2008 have been announced and the quality of entries has once again raised the bar.
The Awards, organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, are unique, as every entrant must be nominated by a satisfied customer. This year's entries showed that Britain's builders have continued to impress their clients across the country with their excellent work.
Despite the economic downturn, the number of high quality new build and refurbishment projects that have been completed in the past year provided inspiration for the judges of the FMB's prestigious annual search for the best builders in Britain.
Commenting on the entries for the three refurbishment categories, Richard Diment, director general of the Federation of Master Builders said:
"The entries demonstrate that clients are still willing to invest in improving their properties, which is vital for the future of the domestic construction market in particular. Many of the projects also reflect an increasing concern about energy efficiency, with buildings regularly being upgraded above and beyond the requirements of the current Building Regulations.
"The FMB lobbied hard for the changes to the planning regulations, which came into force in October. These effectively remove the need for Planning Permission for many loft conversions and extensions, which should make it easier for homeowners planning to stay put and invest in their current property. This should have a positive knock-on effect for builders working in the RMI sector."he added.
It is not just the repair and refurbishment market that has been buoyant. New build, commercial, energy efficiency and waste management all saw some exciting projects too.
New for this year is the Award for Investment in Workforce Training and Development, sponsored by CSCS. Staff morale, retention and company turnover were highlighted as the positive results of good internal training and development, amongst the regional winners.
In the Apprentice of the Year Award, the judges found shining examples of the enthusiasm, determination and professionalism of the country's apprentices - a positive force for the future of the industry.
The Regional Winners will now go through to compete in the national Master Builder of the Year Awards. The winners of the national Awards will be announced by the presenter of C4 Grand Designs Trade Secrets Naomi Cleaver at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on Thursday November 13th 2008.
The winner of the coveted Master Builder of the Year 2008 title will drive away in the brand new Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice provided by the principal sponsor of the Award, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited. And the customer who nominated them can pack their bags for a fantastic £3,000 holiday of their choice!
Master Builder of the Year 2008 is organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, and in partnership with Aon Ltd, B&CE Benefit Schemes, Barceló Hotels, British Gypsum Ltd, BuildStore, ConstructionSkills, CSCS, HBXL, Hilti, Velux, Homebuilding and Renovating, NHBC, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, Professional Builder magazine, Sage (UK) Ltd, Screwfix, Travis Perkins, Master Builder magazine and CCATF.
03 October 2008
